Category: Lily

Sunday Funday Link Pack

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Lately, writing has felt mostly like work. At my day job, the holidays start in September. The closer you to get to Thanksgiving/Black Friday/Christmas/Chanukah/New Year, the busier it gets. I write so many words a day, I frequently feel like I’ve run out. Like I have nothing more to say.

Well, that’s not true — I could be dead exhausted and still write a bangin’ Instagram caption about my SNL crush, Michael Longfellow.

But I’m here now. I’m rested and ready to have some fun. I’m dogsitting for my parents and eating all of the cookies in their pantry. I’m currently watching The Great British Baking Show and drinking my second cup of coffee. It’s Sunday, and boy do I have a lot of fun links for you!

Speaking of coffee, my parents have the worst Keurig in the world. It’s old, it takes forever to heat up and it only makes coffee pods. MOM DON’T READ THIS PART — I’ve decided that I’ll be upgrading their old ass Keurig to an Instant Pot Dual Pod Plus. This kitchen gadget makes coffee AND espresso. Plus, it’s compatible with K-Cup pods, the reusable coffee pods my mom likes that you can also put tea in and Nespresso capsules.

My friend Mijal’s sister wrote a book, and now it’s a TV show about their lives. No, really. It’s called El Fin Del Amor and it’s streaming on Amazon Prime now.

Looking for something to read? I couldn’t put this book down. I heard the author on The World’s First Podcast and bought the book the very next day.

These are the best socks. They’re nice and thick and look great with any outfit you pair them with. I’m currently wearing them in grey and black.

I loved this very cozy movie.

It’s finally chili weather! This is my favorite chili recipe. I recommend topping it with sliced avocado and some shredded cheddar.

When my sister and I were teens, we swore that when we grew up, we’d have exclusively Anthropologie dishes and drinkware. Well we’re adults now…so why not? I think fancy cups/plates/dining accoutrements make an excellent holiday present ;)))) (Hiiii to my sister if she is reading this!!). I mean how gorgeous are these dessert plates?

For all my peeps dating an older man.

I am BEYOND hyped for Fleishman Is In Trouble. It’s so nice to see Jesse Eisenberg in something again!! The rest of the cast is incredible. Lizzy Caplan? Claire Danes? Adam Brody?? HELLO!!! Did you read the book? It’s also really good. (Wow this is a book heavy link pack.)

Update: I DID get the Dae monsoon moisture mask. It is every bit as good as I had hoped it would be!! If you have thick, dry hair — get this. It also smells incredible.

My bed doesn’t have a headboard…and now I want one. I don’t know when the bouclé trend will end but I hope it’s never. As a person with mild sensory issues, the nubby feeling is extremely good for me.

Remember this old post that’s just soothing photos of casseroles?

‘Tis the damn season:

xo

L

Everything I want from the Sephora VIB Rouge sale

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The Sephora Rouge sale starts Oct. 28. All Rouge members receive 20% off through Nov. 7.

This is everything I have my eye on right now.

I get $0 from talking about any of this btw. I just love sharing product recs. If you hypothetically DID want to give me money for talking about beauty/skincare….find me on Twitter.

iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Slushy Serum Moisturizer Crush Infused with Bakuchiol

I’ve slowly become obsessed with this brand. I love the retinol and the peptide moisturizer. I really want to try the Slushy serum moisturizer and the skin barrier protect and glow.

dae Monsoon Moisture Mask

A TikTok user with the most beautiful hair I’ve ever seen said she uses this hair mask.

Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops

I’ve become quite the Westman girlie these days. Gucci Westman’s products are bux-deluxe but worth it. I’m obsessed with my Westman contour stick. It blends better than Rare Beauty AND Fenty. The color is the perfect cool tone without looking ashy on my fair/pink skin. I also LOOOOVE her highlight stick which gives an extremely dewy finish. I know these foundation drops will round out my collection nicely.

Kosas Air Brow Tinted Clean Volumizing Eyebrow Gel

This is the best brow gel on the market. Period. I’m also out of my mine so I need to replenish.

Bio Ionic 10X Pro Styling Iron

Every hair dresser I’ve ever had has told me to buy this flat iron. Since I’ve the same flat iron since 2011…..it might be time to listen and upgrade to the Bio Ionic 10X Pro.

Shani Darden by Déesse PRO LED Light Mask

I’m gonna need you to pretend that this isn’t $1,900. My building just contacted me to let me know they’re raising my rent by 10%. Even with that inflation, my rent still costs less than this face mask!!! I really love red light and I want to believe it works. I always select it as an add-on when I get a facial. Also….that reminds me — I need to book a facial.

OUAI Rue St. Honoré Eau De Parfum

The chokehold!!! Jen Atkin has over me!!! I guess I’m collecting all the Ouai perfumes. I have Melrose Place (my fave. it’s very rosy) and Dean Street (sometimes I love it and sometimes it smells too much like clean laundry). Now I want Rue St Honoré. The packaging is so adorable! These perfumes look so good lined up on my vanity. They’re 20% off!! How could I not?

Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara

Should I try this? I’m running out of my Curl Bounce mascara.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dreams Come True Makeup Vault

If I were rich I would buy this! It includes every CT item you could ever dream of.

Hope you’re having a good week. I’m not!

xo

L

My Honest Taylor Swift ‘Midnights’ Review

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I used to be extremely h*rny for the past. I made sure every song I listened to took me back to pre-pandemic. I wanted to taste that sweet spot between 2012 and 2018 so badly again, and make the flavor last forever. But as of late, that sort of nostalgia has been making me ….sick? I don’t know if I’ve moved on or outgrown the saccharine taste of my former lives.

I think maybe I just don’t need it anymore.

Lately, I’ve been blooming where I’m planted. And that’s firmly rooted in the present. There is too much going on right now to waste precious brain power praying to the memory of a sweaty Saturday night in Santa Monica.

It’s not even because I like my life so much? I mean I do. But my devotion to feeling my current emotions isn’t because they’re better than they’ve ever been. But they’re definitely not worse.

Also, why did I just rhyme lol.

As someone obsessed with introspection (really just navel-gazing), I think I can definitively say I’m over the hurt. And by hurt, I mean the self-flagellation of reminiscing. It used to feel like a little treat to pick at the old wounds of toxic relationships and talk myself in circles — imagining different scenarios — living in a universe where I was still experiencing that life, and paying for it dearly. But why?? Maybe that’s something only my therapist can know.

There’s nothing to let go of if your hands were always empty to begin with. I’m just balling up my fists.

And maybe that’s why I’m having trouble getting into the new Taylor Swift album!! I can’t with the nostalgia porn anymore! About my life or anyone else’s. Her music marked certain milestones in my 20s that I am tired of re-living again and again. If she’s speaking about her current experience I’m not hearing it. Or maybe it’s just too different from mine? My boyfriend and I are not in some sort of mythical romance that takes us to dark bars at midnight where we can hide from the paparazzi. At midnight I’m asleep and he’s reading Fire & Blood on his iPad.

The threat of performing the mental gymnastics to get back to a place where I can relate to her words exhausts me. I think I now prefer the narratives of Evermore. It’s even hard for me to appreciate the celebrity of it all because we, as an audience, know so much about her life. I feel as though I can speak on Taylor Alison Swift like she is a childhood friend. I feel immense affection for her. But that doesn’t mean I have the urge to keep reading her diary.

Of course, I will listen to this album 1000 more times. I am going to a Taylor Swift party this evening! I’m sure it will grow on me…..like mold. 🙂 Maybe I just need to experience it drunk and in an Uber. There used to be no greater high than ignoring the stranger driving me to nefarious destinations, blasting music that felt like an Old Fashioned-sweet tongue in my ear, calling me names.

But do I still crave that??? (No.)

There’s an album out there right now that makes me feel things for the present moment. I don’t have to picture myself at 22 or 24 or 26 to “get there.” I’m here now, and I feel the same release absolutely sober, absolutely alone, absolutely present — no matter if I’m on my morning walk or it’s pitch black outside. I won’t tell you what it is but if you follow me on Instagram I’m sure you can guess.

I don’t need midnights. I have 9am reconciliations with my barista. I have 7pm meeting friends for dinner angst. I have a 10pm bedtime. And I feel SO MUCH for where I am now. I want to swallow it whole because I know that it will become nostalgia again soon. The feeling of now will taste so sweet in the years to come.

TLDR; You’ll love Midnights if you need it. If you don’t, there’s always Carly Rae Jepsen or The 1975.

Manifest your dreams, marry Nick Jonas

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Once upon a time, I had a therapist who told me to keep a journal. In that journal, she wanted me to list 5 things I was grateful for and 5 things that I wanted to happen, every single day.

I don’t remember her name (Tamara? Heather? Nancy?) and can only vaguely mentally conjure the image of her face. But I DO remember that she was huge into The Secret and once told me a story about going on a double date to Cheesecake Factory with her husband, and that the other couple snuck away to do cocaine.

She did tell me that story for a reason. Unfortunately, that reason has been lost to time!

ANYWAY. Sometimes I still journal in this way. Especially when I’m angry or sad or the day before had elements of negative shit that I’d like to remain in the past.

When I’m not on Miami Boys Choir TikTok (team Binyomin, btw), I’m inundated with TikToks about reiki healing, manifestation techniques, jumping timelines and special crystals.

While I love receiving reiki as ASMR ….IDK if it works. I hope it does!!! That would be sick. I’d also love to have a session IRL to compare because any reiki I’ve experienced has just been via my phone. Jumping timelines sounds exhausting and like a lot of work just to feel like I have a more beautiful face or a better job. And crystals… I own a ton of pretty rocks and used to hide rose quartz at an ex-boyfriend’s apartment. He cheated on me anyway.

My grandpa had a paranormal talkshow for many years.

Yes, that sentence was as strange for me to write down as it was for you to read!

Zayde was a very serious man who largely called BS on pretty much all of it. Before he died, he told me I could ask him whatever I wanted, and he would tell me the truth about everything: ghosts, mind readers, energy healing, crystals, the zodiac, evil spirits, whatever. He said 2% of it all MIGHT be real.

But he didn’t say WHICH 2%.

I am choosing to believe that part of that real 2% is manifestation. I’m not saying I believe in The Secret (sorry former therapist Rochelle/Joanne/Matilda) but I think something must happen in your brain? in your reality? in the universe? When you write shit down or say it enough times that you actually start to believe it.

I think it’s all related to perception. Maybe once you choose to accentuate the positive, you have an easier time seeing it everywhere. It starts to feel like good things are all around. Maybe they start to feel like they flow more easily toward you. Or maybe TikTok was right and manifesting opens the timeline jumping portal to better skin. WHO CAN SAY, REALLY?

But I think it works. Maybe I’m not living in a mansion (yet), but I think journaling has helped me feel like I am attracting the things (or at least the energy) that I want. When I journal I’m not asking for things. I’m more so reminding myself, this is what you’re working towards. Sometimes it’s a job promotion and sometimes it’s an under $60 gel manicure.

Like my former therapist, the TikTok manifestation girlies are all about the power of writing down their intentions/things they want to manifest. They start small (and I do too.)

When I write down 5 good things, I’m reminding myself how lucky I am that I got to have my favorite coffee this morning. That I went for a walk in the sun. If I were journaling right now, I’d mention how grateful I am that 1. I am dating my delicious little boyfriend and that 2. He went out and bought me a delicious little chocolate chip cookie after lunch today.

What else am I manifesting? Continued good health. General prosperity. A really hot Instagram photo.

You can write down whatever you want.

I’m just spitballing.

Can you believe this post was originally going to be all about condo hunting on Zillow??

ANYWAY

Manifest your dreams, marry Nick Jonas, log off early.

xo

L

Boo-sted Baby! 👻

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Hello from paradise!

I’m sitting on my couch with a pumpkin cream cold brew, streaming House of Ho while a pumpkin praline-scented WoodWick candle crackles in the foreground. It was 70º when I took my walk this morning and I spent my lunch break bookmarking fall coats on Nuuly. My NYT Cooking widget has been showing me a recipe for cinnamon babka all day.

This is living.

My therapist would call this an “oasis of calm.” I would call this “the calm before the storm.” I got my combination Covid booster-flu shot this morning. My left arm freakin hurts, I’ve had a headache all day and I’m starting to get a little hot and sweaty despite the fact that I have the A/C on.

So in an effort to prolong this pumpkin oasis of peace (tragically, the initialism for that comes out to P.O.O.P.)….

Let’s look at some links!

I NEED this fuzzy checkerboard coat. Don’t sell it out before I can Nuuly it.

This Cup of Jo piece about crushing on Daryl McCormack totally gets it right. That accent! *sWOon*

Do you listen to The World’s First Podcast with Erin & Sara Foster? Well, you should. This is my favorite episode. It’s all about manifesting, healing and creating your own set of non-negotiables.

I really want to see Spin Me Round. This movie has it all: fake Olive Garden, Molly Shannon, Aubrey Plaza being sexy, Zach Woods (also being sexy), pasta, mystery, intrigue!

I love practicing these jaw massage techniques. I don’t know how NOT to clench my jaw so these intentional moments of relief are necessary — I lowkey need masseter botox (hmu if you know a good spa).

How do I convince my boyfriend to go in on these cool kitchen chairs with me?

These little ghost candles are too cute to light.

Just some Rosh Hashanah socks.

I love Jake Cohen’s challah recipe. He shares a bunch of tips on how to make the perfect challah here.

Imagine getting cozy under this positively MASSIVE blanket.

I want a new carry-on bag. After seeing 8 million TikToks about it, I think I’ve been influenced to get this one from Beis.

How cute are these pumpkin gnocchis?

Anyway!

I hope you’re embracing your inner fall queen. I’m enjoying being old and basic as hell.

Love you/talk soon/it’s 6pm and I’m falling asleep

L

My Mom’s Best-Ever Vegetarian Chopped Liver Recipe

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Rosh Hashanah is just two weeks away. In honor of the impending Jewish New Year (5783 baby!), I’m sharing my mom’s really, truly, so very good recipe for vegetarian chopped liver.

If you’ve made it this far and you’re thinking “what the heck is chopped liver?” It’s basically Jewish foie gras.

It’s a pâté.

It’s a meat spread made of chicken livers, eggs, onion and spices.

Chopped liver is savory, iron-y and delectably rich. Some people avoid it for health reasons. Some people avoid it for vegetarian reasons. Some people avoid it because they find the idea of eating liver kind of gross.

Most of my family isn’t big on meat. I’m sorry if this makes you so mad you stop reading right now. But also, it’s 2022. Please get over it.

Sure, my great grandma has a delicious chopped liver recipe that we bust out on occasion. When we gather for the holidays we usually have a brisket or some form of chicken. But most of our dishes are mainly veg/carbs (shoutout to kugel).

Vegetarian chopped liver is always the star appetizer. The herbaceous, meat-free spread evokes the seasonings and consistency of real chopped liver, without being… ya know… meat! Plus, it’s great on Manischewitz Tam Tams or with a carrot stick.

I know chopped liver seems like more of a Jewish thing, but don’t get it twisted — anyone can make/enjoy chopped liver! Especially the vegetarian kind. That’s why I am sharing this. And if you’ve made it this far and you’re STILL shaking your head in disgust, thank you for logging that sweet, sweet time on site but you can officially log off!

She is not beautiful but she does not have to be! Let her power be a lesson to you all!

NOW! THE RECIPE!

You can always make more or less but this should serve about 6 people.

You’ll need:

The vegetable oil of your choice

3 hard-boiled eggs

1 cup green beans

1 and 1/2 cups green peas

2 big onions, coarsely chopped

“A shit load of salt and pepper” – according to my mother

A pinch of lemon pepper

A little garlic powder

A food processor (or a blender that will pulse and not turn things into juice when you don’t want them to be).

DIRECTIONS:

Hard boil 3 eggs for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. Once cooled, peel and quarter.

Pour 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil into a pan. Wait until the oil is shimmering. Then add your onion and cook until it starts to caramelize. Turn off burner heat.

Coarsely chop up your green beans, then add them to your onion pan, along with your green peas. Sauté everything together until cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil to your food processor. Add eggs, onions, beans and peas. Season well with salt and pepper, add as much garlic powder as you like (I only like a pinch but it’s your VCL).

Start pulsing/blending/pulverizing. If it’s too thick, add a little more oil. You want the final product to be spreadable but NOT liquid-y. Think hummus or any other sort of dip!

Once you’re there or nearly there, add a pinch of lemon pepper to taste. I would mix it up with a spoon so as not to ruin the consistency.

Chill for several hours in an air-tight container. My mom said that if it’s not air-tight your refrigerator is gonna stink lol.

Serve chilled with lovely crackers and vegetables. You could also serve this with challah, which would be pretty good too.

Anyway, almost Shana Tovah!

L

The Zodiac Signs As Halloween Costume Ideas

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This is the best (and the worst) I could do.

Aries

This 666exy costume is perfect for Aries. You’re the devil! You’re widely hated for the way you lead others into temptation. But it’s not all bad. Some people worship you! Not me though.

Taurus

Miss Piggy is one luxurious beyotch. She prizes living well and looking good above all else. If she isn’t a Taurus, she should be. Wait…let me Google it real quick. Oh she’s a Leo. WHATEVER. Just be Miss Piggy for Halloween so you can be rude, sip martinis and kiss frogs.

Gemini

Hi Gemini! You’re more excited about someone ripping your Halloween costume OFF than putting one on this year. This punny costume also doubles as a massive red flag! Awww, just like your personality!

Cancer

Absolutely be the Sleepy Time Tea bear but slutty. Sure, the Sleepy Time Tea bear is not slutty in essence. It’s a bear. It’s sleepy. But Cancer, I bet if you rocked this night cap-sleep shirt combo…things could get a lil …cheeky. I mean we never see that bear standing up. How short is that top exactly??

Leo

Leo’s love attention. The fastest way to get it in 2022? Be Nathan Fielder. While this Halloween costume is definitely easy if you’re a white man with dark hair (esp one who graduated from one of Canada’s top business school with really good grades), you’ll still need to rehearse this role a bunch of times before the big day. Bonus points if you wear Summit Ice. Deny nothing.

Virgo

Virgo, you’re Tito the anxiety mosquito. Halloween is chaos. It ruins your sense of order and control. No one will be able to tell if you’re voicing your racing thoughts or if you’re just deep in character! I feel like you could make this costume slutty if you really wanted to.

Libra

I’m not totally sure HOW you’d pull this off but you should definitely be Bella Hadid. She’s hot, Libras are hot. Can you achieve this costume simply by getting bangs? I don’t know. Just don’t be the “home boy’s gonna like… get it” meme. That’s a zillion years old.

Scorpio

Scorpios are cool. Some might say too cool. So to level the Halloween costume playing field, you should be the 2011 swag trend. Wear a hat like this one. Wear an American Apparel zip-up hoodie in an obnoxious color like purple. Say “swaggy” or go “swag, swag,” while making dancing hand motions. I don’t remember what else happened in 2011 but this feels like most of it…. Oh yea, Jabbawockeez.

Sagittarius

Sag, you’re the perfect combination of quirky and classic. That’s why you should be Scout’s ham costume from To Kill A Mockingbird. The literary hoes gon’ looooove this.

Capricorn

All Capricorns are just Carl from Up. This is what you look like to me! You’re all so cranky and sad! Cheer up!!! Damn! You could also make this slutty if you want.

Aquarius

What’s so spooky about Kathy Hilton? Everything! Give your friends a real scare by showing up to their house but not for a trick-or-treat. Ask for crackers…and some cheese…. and a diet Coke.

Pisces

If this photo just seems like two men lifting a piece of luggage to you — educate yourself. THAT’S TAYLOR SWIFT IN THERE!! In 2017(ish) Miss Swift traveled to-and-fro not by private jet but by luggage. Now, it’s your turn Pisces. Recruit two strong friends to help you recreate this iconic look for Halloween! Preferably Sag and Leo.

Let’s just be honest, let’s just BeReal

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Hello from swampy Los Angeles! How have you been? It’s been ages. You look so good! Have you gone keto? Are you dermaplaning?

Recently, I attended a party where someone asked me what I do for a living. When I told them, they said they couldn’t imagine writing every day because it’s “just not fun.”

Let me clue you in on a little something — sometimes, it’s NOT fun!!

I log on and do this shiz every. single. day. Deals pieces on Apple TVs don’t just grow on trees. My “writing” job involves researching, drafting, editing, updating, SEO software, endless Slack conversations about heds and H2s, reading analytics software and uhhh trying to make it all sound interesting so somebody will click or buy.

Then I get to share the damn thing and have you bitches DM me some variation of “TLDR LOL which is better?”

Obviously, I’m a glutton for punishment. Harry Styles did to Chris Pine what I guess I appear to be begging all of you to do to me every time I share anything.

But I love writing. Especially when I get to write about whatever the hell I want. Unfortunately, ~this~ can be really fun for me. But somewhere between 2021 and 2022 I lost the thread. My professional writing life took the wheel and the part of me that likes to gab about buying things, inventing new careers and deleting Facebook fell asleep in the backseat.

Well, she’s awake now and she wants to stop at Starbucks.

My goal is to write something on here every day for the rest of the month. It might not be good. It might be silly. It might be embarrassing. It will probably be about shopping/eating/HBO programming.

Read it or don’t. I just want to have some fun writing before I inevitably delete this thing.

ANYWAY!!!!!!

Here are some recent fun things I purchased/want to buy:

I am now the proud owner of a pair of those Birkenstock Boston clogs that everyone is wearing.

Have you heard of skin cycling? I’m trying it out and this is my new go-to retinol.

L.A. is a sauna right now….this tinted, blurring skin balm stays in place and keeps my skin from getting oily.

Tell me why I NEED these boots. P.s. are cowboy boots over? Or are we just getting started? Discuss in the comments.

This scalp oil changed my life. I’m probably going to do a whole piece on it because it’s just that good.

I read this Ottessa Moshfegh book in one sitting.

You know I’m a hoops girl. I would love a new pair for fall. I’m thinking these?

When will it be cold enough to wear a crewneck!! I have never been to North Dakota but that does NOT stop me from wanting this amazing sweatshirt!

Speaking of crewnecks, it’s football szn. Bear down, bb! I’m on the hunt for a cute vintage Chicago Bears sweatshirt that I can wear when my boyfriend drags me along to watch the big game. So far I’ve found this option. It’s listed as “funny vintage” but that’s probably because the Bears usually lose. See! I know sports. Urlacher has hair!

Are you in LA? You need to have dinner here. Order the hummus ful and get the lamb skewers. You’re welcome.

BTW I don’t have a BeReal account. Stop asking!!

love u

L

Holiday Gifts Under $25

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‘Tis the damn season, so I figured I would make another gift guide.

Can you believe I make $0 off these links?

Me either!

Anyway, why is everything so dang expensive?? I’m just trying to get my friends some Christmas and Chanukah presents and go. If you are also trying to find some small things to mail to your far away friends, hand off to your next door neighbor, stuff in your sister’s stocking or just reward yourself for getting through the week: These holiday gifts under $25 are for you!

Really cool wine glasses: $25 via Amazon

Shoutout to my friend Tori who told me she was looking for some “cool” wine glasses. That sent me down a rabbit hole of various glass shapes and price points. If you don’t want to spend a ton of money but still want to feel like you’re sipping out of something fancy, I really like this $25 option.

Trendy sunglasses: $10.99 via Amazon

These sunnies are such a cute shape. They also come in a few other colors. Plus they’re $11 so if you’re prone to losing sunglasses (like I am 😩) then you will only feel slightly less bad when they disappear into the crevices of your car/the leather booth at a CPK/your friend’s parent’s vacation home.

The Tinx Tumbler: $22 via Amazon

I use this tumbler every single day. It comes in multiple colors, sizes and keeps your drinks icy cold AND super hot (yes, I have hot girl walked with a hot coffee in here!). Tinx, everybody’s favorite cheugy older sister TikToker, is the one who originally recommended this product. Unlike her taste in L.A. restaurants, she absolutely did not miss with this one.

Everyday Oil: $22

Hands down, this is my favorite body oil. The glass packaging feels EXTREMELY luxe. I use the mainstay blend which is scented with palo santo, lavender, geranium and clary sage. If you’re scent-averse (or gifting to someone who is) they also sell an unscented version. I like to store my bottle in the shower. As soon I turn off the water I apply a heavy pump of this oil all over my skin to trap moisture. The 1 oz size is $14, 2 oz is $22 and 8 oz is $48.

Designer Dust Co. highlighter: $18

My friend Nicole’s brand Designer Dust Co. makes THE BEST sparkling highlighter. They come in four gorgeous, buttery-soft shades. A must-have for any friend/family member who is into beauty. The brand even has a celebrity following– Rachel Bloom is a fan!

A very cute ceramic cup: $20

You know what would make a cute gift? This ceramic cup and some fancy hot cocoa with artisanal marshmallows.

Did someone say hot chocolate and marshmallows?

These cuties are $10.

Ariana Grande Cloud Eau De Perfume: $25

It was the cult perfume of 2020 and I’ve heard it’s a good dupe for Baccarat Rouge. I personally can’t wear the scent anymore because it reminds me of my depression. HOWEVER, it smells wonderful on everyone who wears it and it’s $25 at Walmart rn.

Palate Polish: $14

My friend Bri turned me on to this wonderful women-owned nail polish brand. Palate Polish is 10-free, vegan and cruelty free. Their polishes come in a variety of gorgeous, quick-drying colors and are named for foods. I personally own a bunch of their polishes and love them.

For your friend who STILL doesn’t have a wine corkscrew: $14

This purchase is absolutely inspired by my beautiful friend Mijal. If you too have a friend who deserves a rose gold wine opener (I personally don’t call them corkscrews but that’s because I am trash), this is a pretty and practical option. It’s something everyone should have in their home on the off chance a guest brings over something BESIDES a twist-off.

Wall art: $25

Perhaps you have a sister who went camping at a national park once and made it her entire personality or a best friend that you drive to Joshua Tree with whenever you want to sing Olivia Rodrigo anthems at the top of your lungs. Brandi creates prints representing a variety of national parks, in the style of classic tattoos. While you can buy a poster right now, her next t-shirt drop is on Dec. 4. Swo set your phone alarms accordingly!

Cozy plush open-toe Slippers: $19

You KNOW there is nothing I love more than some fluffy footwear. If you’re not looking to spend Ugg money on a loved one, these vibrant, soft-looking slippers are almost as good. They come in five different colors and are under $20! I might even get a pair for myself lol.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

I HOPE THIS POST DOES WELL IN SEO-HO-HO-HO

xx

Chanukah Harry

A Very Specific Gift Guide

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Ask and ye shall receive.

Doesn’t it feel like the older you get, the less exciting your wants become? I remember being eight years old and wishing for a Meygan Bratz doll harder than anything. She came with a furry vest and a corduroy beret. Now, all I think I want is new underpants.

But apparently my readers need me.

And as I am still a girl with a passion 4 fashion (second Bratz reference!) I have no problem doing the necessary shopping and listing to inspire your gifting needs, whatever they may be.

I’m going to write about the things I want. If you’re doing some shopping for friends/family I imagine these would make good presents for:

A. Extroverted introverts who would rather stay in and be cozy with dinner, a glass of wine and a bubble bath

B. Cool grandmas/ aging aunts/ exhausted 28 year olds

C. Someone exactly like me (See A and B)

Fawn by Ellis Brooklyn

In college, my best friend Andrew and I were obsessed with this Bobbi Brown scent called “Bath.” The scent truly captured the essence of having just stepped out of a warm, milky bubble bath. Brown retired the scent a number of years ago and I’ve been looking for a dupe ever since. Somehow, this is it? The scent description is all wrong in my opinion. Whoever did the copywriting for Ellis Brooklyn seems to think it smells like tropical vacation. I firmly disagree. Anyway, it’s on sale right now at Sephora.

Thinx Boyshorts

Are you a person with a period? Do you hate sleeping with something all up in you? You need to get a pair of Thinx. My favorite is the cotton boyshort (mom if you are reading this I am a size M) but these period absorbing panties come in a variety of styles. They are comfortable, won’t let you down leak-wise and don’t look too crazy bulky under jeans/leggings/etc. I currently own three pair but the tops have all started to fray and I need to replace them ASAP.

Madewell Flannel Oversized Ex-Boyfriend Tunic Shirt

I love the color, the length and the oversized fit of this Madewell flannel. As a longtime fan of the brand (and former employee), I can attest that their flannels are always soft, cozy and flatter a variety of body types. They tend to run big so I would size down. For instance, I’m a size small in their flannels (if you are a person reading this who wants to buy this for me).

More clothing wants/recommendations

  • I want everything from Favorite Daughter, namely these jeans. However, they’re currently out of stock. Keeping my eye on these for when they refresh.
  • Every year I want this Everlane sweater, every year it is sold out in a size XS before I can order it. LOVE the colors pepper and persimmon. Pro tip: they run HUGE. Hence why I order an XS.
  • Who doesn’t love an Ugg? I own three pair and the Fluff Yeah are my favorite.
  • Have been obsessed with this FP Movement jacket ever since I laid eyes on it. No idea why I am so dedicated to looking like a traffic cone.

Bijou Candles

This queer, women-owned brand makes cruelty-free candles inspired by women in pop culture and history. I have my eye on the 70’s icons trio (especially the Cher). They also have coven, punks, starlets and First Wives-inspired candles. Use this link and you’ll get $10 off your order.

More candles:

  • I’ve heard nothing but good things about the brand Borough Home. This citrine collection looks amazing.
  • My friend TC got me a “This smells like Harry Styles” candle from Cool Girl Candles. They have a lot of other candles that smell like celebs that would make a great gift for someone you luv who luvs…Timothee Chalamet? Jack Harlow? Idk they have a lot of people.

Fairley Jewelry

Are you my boyfriend? Are you reading this post? I want this peridot necklace. Thanks for stopping by! No but really, I enjoy this jewelry brand. They look like what I thought grown up jewelry looked like when I was a kid. Big sparkly gems on thin gorgeous chains. They ship from Australia so if your name is Dan thinking of getting this, I’d order it soon.

Other cool jewelry I have my eye on/recommend:

Nice Pajamas

Normally I fall asleep in a big t-shirt covered in a variety of permanent stains. But I’ve decided that because I’m approaching 30, it’s time for me to own some nice pajamas. Why do nice pajamas cost so much money??? I love these silk ones from Summersalt and these from Nap. I guess I’ll keep looking for dupes. However, if you have $$$ to spend on the sleepyhead in your life…. I imagine these would be great options.

These cookie sheets are kind of a Great Jones Holy Sheet dupe, don’t you think? Plus, they’re half the price.

More kitchen wants and recs:

Jew-ish by Jake Cohen

Because I’m tired of having to search the internet for various recipes from this book and I might as well own it anyway.

More cookbooks I want:

Maude Bath Kit

Do you love Dakota Johnson? I love Dakota Johnson. She’s an investor and co-creative director for this sexual wellness and body brand. Also, this really cool girl that I follow on Instagram is their EIC. Anyway, this trio of bath items is scented with warming notes of amber, cedar leaf, lemongrass, tonka bean and medjool date. Doesn’t that sound delicious to soak in?

More relaxing essentials that I want or you need to know about: